The Roosters No. 9 has put an end to rumours that he would return to his former team.
After speculation that he may be leaving his club early, Roosters No. 9 Brandon Smith has denied rumours that he may return to North Queensland. Despite signing from Melbourne in 2023 and earning $900,000 annually, Smith’s first two NRL seasons with the Roosters have been pretty lacklustre.
After suffering an ACL injury against Canberra in round 26, the No. 9’s 2024 season came to a disastrous end. Additionally, there have been rumours that the Roosters may let the 28-year-old engage with other teams sooner than anticipated, casting uncertainty on his future with the team.
Smith was tempted to say that his spouse is not interested in moving because they both like being in Sydney. Additionally, the Roosters star has once again addressed rumours that he would be traded to the Cowboys. Prior to relocating to Melbourne and playing for Craig Bellamy, Smith began his career with the Cowboys in the u-20 division.
After the 2022 season, with Harry Grant rising through the ranks, he was signed by the Roosters. The Roosters would need a No. 9 if Smith leaves because they lost out on the Ben Hunt deal.
Additionally, the team might try to convince the Cowboys to make a trade with them in exchange for Reece Robson returning to Sydney. Smith has taken exception at the rumour that he is going to North Queensland and isn’t having any of it.
We spoke with a few clubs, and Cowboys wasn’t one of them. On his “Bye Round Podcast,” Smith stated, “I don’t think that option has really come up.” “At the moment, the Robson rumour doesn’t really alter anything for me. Not wanting to be in Townsville in this sweltering heat, I still want to be at the Roosters, I still want to be in Sydney, and I still want to be on The Bye Round podcast. They can’t make me go there, to be fair.”
Smith stated that he is focused on getting better, is anticipated to miss the first half of the NRL season, and is still playing for his current team. “If I feel like I’m not wanted, if my skills are not wanted for this year, then you’d think about it,” Smith stated. However, I don’t want to enter that domain and consider that stuff right now because of my mental state. My current team is the Roosters, and I’m making an effort to prioritise them.”
Brandon Smith and girlfriend settled in Sydney
Smith’s partner may also be the reason for his hesitancy to make a significant shift in scenery. The former Melbourne player acknowledged that he felt at home in Sydney and wanted to stay with the Roosters with his partner. Earlier this month, Smith stated, “Robbo (coach Trent Robinson) is still away, so I haven’t spoken to them yet.”
“We will have the appropriate conversation when we return to training. I would prefer to remain at the Roosters. My spouse has a strong hold on the club, and I don’t want to leave. Although I would prefer to stay, rugby league players don’t necessarily share your viewpoints.
Smith, however, stated that winning a premiership with the Roosters remains his top objective and that he is only attempting to play his best football in 2025. “I don’t intend to re-sign with the Roosters this season. “I want to make sure I have the best year I can with the Roosters and let other clubs know what they’re getting if they decide to sign me,” Smith stated.
“I don’t really care who they’re trying to sign; I’m totally focused on the Roosters right now. This year, I want to help the Roosters win a competition, and I want to be a part of that.”
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